LSU coach Brian Kelly believes quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has a better shot at winning the 2025 Heisman Trophy than early favorite Arch Manning.
Kelly’s confidence comes from his experience coaching in the SEC.
The Tigers coach thinks Nussmeier’s experience in the conference will help him handle the tough schedule better than Manning might.
“Look, we hear it every day because Manning is from Louisiana. … And listen, there’s another guy that hears it all the time an that’s Garrett Nussmeier. He’s committed, and more than anything else, he’s experienced. And in this league, you need to see the bullets flying,” Kelly said on ESPN’s College GameDay.
Kelly acknowledged Manning’s talent but stood by his quarterback.
“All I’m saying is, Nussmeier has seen it. I can see the assessment of Manning, he’s an outstanding player. But I’ll take the guy that’s been in the SEC and seen what it looks like. He knows what he’s going to get.”
“There’s a confidence he’ll bring each and every game through experience, maybe even through some scar tissue, that’s going to allow him to be, I believe, the best quarterback.”
Nussmeier enters the season as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
Many believe he’s the key to Kelly ending his national championship drought at LSU. The Tigers are considered a dark horse contender this season.
Kelly’s job security may depend on how well his quarterback performs this year.
Expectations are high for the Tigers quarterback as the season approaches.
